Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban didn’t hold back when responding to general manager Nico Harrison’s recent comments about the controversial blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Harrison and team CEO Rick Welts addressed the deal that has sparked outrage among Mavericks fans, many of whom are now calling for Harrison’s removal. The backlash only intensified when it became clear that Mark Cuban, the longtime face of the franchise, was not consulted on the decision.
Adding to the controversy, Mavericks legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki also publicly expressed disappointment with the trade. However, Harrison brushed off the criticism.
“My obligation is to the Dallas Mavericks. It’s about what’s in the best interest of the team, and that’s the most important thing,” Harrison said. “Some of those decisions are going to be unpopular—maybe to Dirk, maybe to the fans—but my obligation is to the Mavericks.”
And when Mavericks reporter Tim Cato shared Harrison’s remarks on X, it was where Mark Cuban drew the line and replied, “Dirk is the Dallas Mavericks. Then, now, and forever. No one should ever forget that. That statue will be here forever. Loyalty never fades away.”
Dirk is the Dallas Mavericks. Then, now and forever. No one should ever forget that.
That statue will be here forever.
Loyalty never fades away.
Tomorrow night 15 guys will put on a Mavericks uniform. They will do everything they can to win. For themselves, each other… https://t.co/JKCxPEMxSh
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) April 15, 2025
He added, “That will never change. I know fans are upset. But don’t be upset at the players. Support them. Root for them. Rally behind them.”
Dirk is the Dallas Mavericks. Then, now and forever. No one should ever forget that.
That statue will be here forever.
Loyalty never fades away.
Tomorrow night 15 guys will put on a Mavericks uniform. They will do everything they can to win. For themselves, each other… https://t.co/JKCxPEMxSh
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) April 15, 2025
Although Cuban played a pivotal role in building the Mavericks into a championship organization, including the 2011 NBA title run led by Nowitzki, his role changed dramatically in December 2023 when he sold a 67% controlling interest of the team to Miriam Adelson and Las Vegas Sands. Cuban retained a 27% stake but stepped back from daily basketball operations.
His deep involvement with the organization’s operations paved the way for the drafting of a young and budding Doncic in 2018, who was coming off an MVP season with Real Madrid in the EuroLeague.
Mark Cuban could’ve prevented Doncic’s move
Had he been given enough involvement in the Mavericks’ basketball operations, Mark Cuban might’ve prevented Luka Doncic’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Cuban has since made it clear he opposed the Doncic trade. On The Stephen A. Smith Show, he revealed there was initially a verbal agreement in place to keep him involved in basketball decisions.
“It was a handshake agreement… I tried to put it in the contract,” he said. “Actually, the NBA said no. They said basically it’s between you and the new ownership, and they went in their direction.”
Now, on the outside looking in, Mark Cuban insists he would never have approved trading Luka Doncic, the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year and face of the franchise.
And while the Mavericks have a new direction under their current leadership, it’s clear Cuban and Nowitzki’s legacy—and their loyalty—still loom large over Dallas.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
